[Dave Z]

The real problem will be competing against Mahindra, which makes Jeeps that look far more like the old CJ than the Wrangler does. These are not expensive vehicles, either.

As IAB said, "Which will people think is the copy?" and why would one pay premium prices for a vehicle that looks like a copy of a cheap SUV?

I think Wrangler will flop while Grand Cherokee does well. Just my thought...

Mercedes is doing very well in India, and is launching their most expensive products there. Rolls-Royce is there. I think Jeep and Fiat will have little impact with their low end models, but their high end should do well. -- not 10% or 20% well, but I think the initial Fiat-Jeep goal of 1% market share is achievable and the long-term goal of 5% is not unreasonable.

 

[Dave Z]

... India is also more “regional,” from what little I know, than the US (as is China), in distribution of wealth. While the US has wealthier and poorer areas, the extremes are not as extreme.

Anyway, Fiat has tried several times to relaunch. They had a huge market share through Premier -- which ironically started out with Chrysler Corporation back in the 30s or 40s -- but when India opened its markets, it fell apart. They might have a credibility gap to overcome along with all else, which is why they think that coming in with Jeep may help. Fiat's recasting itself as a premium automaker might help, too.

As for this stuff about "how can it be good for Indian roads AND American roads," I truly wonder. Would a Jeep not benefit from being designed to be durable on poor roads?